Oklahoma City, Oklahoma - Teri Jo Ganes, born on November 1, 1955 in Woodward, Oklahoma, to Wilber and Zona Cheap, passed away peacefully at home on November 2, 2024. Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, November 9, 2024 at the First Methodist Church.

Teri, a life-long Woodward resident, graduated from Woodward High School in 1973. She attended Southwestern Oklahoma State University graduating with a degree in Education. In 1978, she married Greg Ganes and they settled in Woodward to raise their two children, McKenna and Sean. From there on, her world truly revolved around her kids. There was hardly a weekend that she didn't have six or seven boys in her minivan driving to a soccer tournament somewhere in the tri-state area. She epitomized "soccer mom", visor and all. She often said these were some of the best times of her life.

Teri was devoted to education, having served over 40 years at Woodward Public Schools, starting as a second-grade teacher in 1981. After going back to school and earning her Master's Degree, she became a Counselor and Reading Specialist. Her last role in education was Principal of Cedar Heights Elementary, where she worked until retiring in May 2022. Throughout her career, she made a lasting impact on the lives of many children. She saw and nurtured the unique qualities and strengths of each student, loving them all deeply.

Teri loved gardening and her little house projects. She was certain she was the handiest one in the family; she had a tool for everything. Her most recent achievement of "Edgemere Park Yard of the Month" was something she liked to casually mention to everyone.

After retirement, she was able to devote all of her time to her true passion: being a Grandma. Whenever she had the chance, she jumped at the opportunity to be involved in school events or to watch the delightful chaos of five-year-old soccer games. She cherished FaceTiming with her grandkids and spoiling them whenever possible. Her love extended to all of them, including her grand-dog, Sadie, and the newest grandchild, McKenna's daughter, arriving in April.

Teri is survived by her children, McKenna (Ganes) Schroder and her husband Brent of Oklahoma City, Sean and Lexi Ganes of Tulsa, as well as her grandchildren: James Schroder, McKinley Schroder, Sawyer Ganes, Sutton Ganes, and a new granddaughter, Willa Jo Schroder, expected in April. She is also survived by her brothers, Mike Cheap and Pat Cheap, her sister, Kelly (Cheap) McClure, and their families.

Though Teri's sudden passing is a profound loss, we find comfort in knowing she was welcomed in Heaven by her parents, Wilber and Zona Cheap, who predeceased her in death in 2020.

John 16:22 says, "So you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you".

Memorial contributions may be made to the Woodward Education Foundation with the funeral home accepting the contributions.

Remembrances may be shared online at www.billingsfuneralhomewoodward.com